Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or

show password
Forgot Password?

Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or

Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account.
Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.


Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.

Measuring Vital Signs

Quiz yourself by thinking what should be in each of the black spaces below before clicking on it to display the answer.
        Help!  

Question
Answer
The four _________ __________ of body function are: temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.   Vital signs  
🗑
The persons vital signs ____________ and are affected by sleep, activity, eating, weather, noise, exercise, medications, anger, fear, anxiety, pain, and illness.   Vary  
🗑
Vital signs are measured to detect _________ in normal body function.   Changes  
🗑
Vital signs tell about _____________ responses.   Treatment  
🗑
Vital signs often signal ________-__________ events.   Life-threatening  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: during the physical ___________.   Exam  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: when the person is _______________ to the center.   Admitted  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: as often as the person's ______________ requires.   Condition  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: before and after _____________, complex procedures, and diagnostic tests.   Surgery  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: after some care measures, such as ________________.   Ambulation  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: after a ____________ or other injury.   Fall  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: when _______________ affect the respiratory or circulatory system.   Medications  
🗑
Vital signs are measured: when a person complains of __________, dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, or not feeling well.   Pain  
🗑
In most cases you should take vital signs when the person is at rest - __________ down or sitting.   Lying  
🗑
Report any vital sign at once that is _________________ from a prior measurement.   Changed  
🗑
Report any vital sign at once that is above the _____________ range.   Normal  
🗑
Report any vital sign at once that is _________________ the normal range.   Below  
🗑
What is the amount of heat in the body called?   Body temperature  
🗑
Body temperature is the balance between the amount of heat _______________ and the amount lost by the body.   Produced  
🗑
Body temperature is lowest in the _________________.   Morning  
🗑
Pregnancy and a woman's _______________ cycle affect body temperature.   Menstrual  
🗑
Temperature _____________ are the mouth, rectum, axilla, tympanic membrane, and temporal artery.   Site  
🗑
Axillary temperature is measured in the ___________.   Armpit  
🗑
Tympanic membrane temperature is measured in the ___________.   Ear  
🗑
A temporal artery temperature is measured on the _____________.   Forehead  
🗑
What type of thermometers have been eliminated from the healthcare setting due to hazards of mercury exposure and risk of injury from broken glass?   Glass thermometers  
🗑
Rectal temperatures require a special thermometer or a special rectal probed which is color-coded ____________.   Red  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person is unconscious?   Oral  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person is receiving oxygen therapy?   Oral  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person has heart disease?   Rectal  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person has a naso-gastric tube?   Oral  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person has an ear infection?   Tympanic membrane  
🗑
Which temperature site is non-invasive?   Temporal artery  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person is paralyzed on one side of the body?   Oral  
🗑
Which temperature site is not used if the person has a convulsive (seizure) disorder?   Oral  
🗑
Which temperature site is the least reliable?   Axillary  
🗑
A baseline temperature of 98.6 F is for the ___________, tympanic membrane, temporal artery sites.   Oral  
🗑
A baseline temperature of 99.6 F is for the ____________ site.   Rectal  
🗑
A baseline temperature of 97.6 is for the ____________ site.   Axillary  
🗑
The normal range for body temperature is one _____________ above and below the baseline measurement.   Degree  
🗑
The _____________ ____________ temperature is measured in 1-3 seconds.   Tympanic membrane  
🗑
Before taking a temperature you need the following information from the nurse and the care plan: what _____________ to use.   Site  
🗑
Before taking a temperature you need the following information from the nurse and the care plan: what __________________ to use for each person.   Thermometer  
🗑
Before taking a temperature you need the following information from the nurse and the care plan: ____________ to take temperatures.   When  
🗑
Before taking a temperature you need the following information from the nurse and the care plan: which persons are at risk for ______________ temperatures.   Elevated  
🗑
Which non-invasive site measures body temperature in 3-4 seconds?   Temporal artery  
🗑
The rectal temperature is taken with the person in _____________ position.   Sim's  
🗑
Tympanic membrane and temporal artery thermometers are used for persons who are ____________ and resist care.   Confused  
🗑
When taking an ____________ temperature you need to ask the person not to eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum for at least 15-20 minutes before the procedure.   Oral  
🗑
For a _____________ temperature you must lubricate the end of the covered probe.   Rectal  
🗑
When taking an axillary temperature, you must first _____________ the axilla.   Dry  
🗑
Temperature sensitive tape is applied to the _________________.   Forehead  
🗑
What is the beat of the heart felt at an artery as a wave of blood passes through the artery?   Pulse  
🗑
Which pulse site is used most often?   Radial  
🗑
What is the name of the pulse heard over the heart?   Apical  
🗑
What instrument do you use to measure the apical pulse?   Stethoscope  
🗑
What is an instrument used to listen to the sounds produced by the heart, lungs, and other body organs?   Stethoscope  
🗑
Before using a stethoscope you need to wipe the ______-__________ and diaphragm with antiseptic wipes.   Ear-pieces  
🗑
Normal pulse ___________ for an adult is 60-100 beats per minute.   Rate  
🗑
What is the number of heartbeats or pulses felt in 1 minute?   Pulse rate  
🗑
When using a stethoscope, you need to ____________ the diaphragm in your hand before applying it to the person's skin.   Warm  
🗑
What is a rapid heart rate, more than 100 beats per minute?   Tachycardia  
🗑
What is a slow heart rate, less than 60 beats per minute?   Bradycardia  
🗑
The pulse _____________ should be regular, the pulses are felt in a pattern.   Rhythm  
🗑
An _________________ pulse occurs when the beats are not evenly spaced or beats are skipped.   Irregular  
🗑
___________ relates to pulse strength.   Force  
🗑
A forceful pulse is ____________ to feel.   Easy  
🗑
A forceful pulse is described as ___________, full, or bounding.   Strong  
🗑
Hard-to-feel pulses are described as weak, _________, or feeble.   Thready  
🗑
Electric blood _______________ equipment can also count pulses.   Pressure  
🗑
When using an electric blood pressure device the pulse _________ is shown.   Rate  
🗑
Some electric blood pressure devices show the pulse ____________.   Rhythm  
🗑
When using an electric blood pressure device, you still need to manually feel the pulse to determine its ______________.   Force  
🗑
When taking a ______________ pulse, you place your first two fingertips on the thumb side of the wrist.   Radial  
🗑
When taking a radial pulse, you count the pulse for 30 seconds and then multiply that number by __________.   2  
🗑
An ____________ pulse is taken by using a stethoscope.   Apical  
🗑
You count the apical pulse for _______ minute.   1  
🗑
When taking an apical pulse you will hear a lub-dub sound. Each lub-dub is _________ pulse beat.   1  
🗑
The apical and radial pulse rates should be _____________.   Equal  
🗑
How many staff members are needed to take an apical-radial pulse?   Two  
🗑
What is it called when you take the apical and radial pulses together?   Apical-radial pulse  
🗑
What is the difference between the apical and radial pulse rates?   Pulse deficit  
🗑
To calculate the pulse deficit you _____________ the radial pulse from the apical rate.   Subtract  
🗑
The radial pulse will never be ______________ than the apical rate.   Greater  
🗑
When taking an apical-radial pulse, you count the pulse for ______ minute.   1  
🗑
What term means breathing air into (inhalation) and out of (exhalation) the lungs?   Respiration  
🗑
A healthy adult has _______ to 20 respirations per minute.   12  
🗑
Count each rise and fall of the chest a ________ respiration.   1  
🗑
Begin counting respirations when the chest ____________.   Rises  
🗑
Count respirations right ____________ taking the pulse.   After  
🗑
When counting respirations you need to keep your fingers or stethoscope over the ____________ site.   Pulse  
🗑
Count the respirations for _________ seconds and then multiply that number by 2.   30  
🗑
When counting respirations you should note: if the respirations are ______________.   Regular  
🗑
When counting respirations you should note: if both sides of the chest rise ______________.   Equally  
🗑
When counting respirations you should note: the ___________ of the respirations.   Depth  
🗑
When counting respirations you should note: if the person has any pain or difficulty __________________.   Breathing  
🗑
When counting respirations you should note: if the person has an abnormal respiratory _____________.   Pattern  
🗑
What is the amount of force exerted against the walls of an artery by the blood?   Blood pressure  
🗑
What is the period of heart muscle contraction (when the heart is pumping blood) called?   Systole  
🗑
What is the period of heart muscle relaxation (when heart is a rest) called?   Diastole  
🗑
What is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts?   Systolic pressure  
🗑
What is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest?   Diastolic pressure  
🗑
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of __________ (Hg).   Mercury  
🗑
The normal range for systolic pressure is less than ___________ mm Hg.   120  
🗑
The normal range for diastolic pressure is less than _________ mm Hg.   80  
🗑
Blood pressure measurements remaining above 140 mm Hg systolic, or a diastolic pressure above 90 mm Hg is called _______________.   Hypertension  
🗑
Blood pressure measurements below 90 mm Hg systolic, or a diastolic pressure below 60 mm Hg is called _______________.   Hypotension  
🗑
You use a __________________ and a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure.   Stethoscope  
🗑
The sphygmomanometer has a __________ and a measuring device.   Cuff  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Age - blood pressure _____________ with age.   Increases  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Gender - women usually have ____________ blood pressure than men do.   Lower  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Blood volume - severe bleeding _____________ blood volume, therefore BP decreases.   Lowers  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Stress - BP ______________ as the body responds to stress (anxiety, fear, and emotions)   Increases  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Pain - pain generally __________ BP.   Increases  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Exercise - BP ____________.   Increases  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Weight - BP is _____________ in over-weight persons.   Higher  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Race - African-Americans generally have _____________ BPs than whites.   Higher  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Diet - A high-sodium diet increases the amount of water in the body causing increased fluid volume which ______________ BP.   Increases  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Medications - can be given to _____________ or lower BP.   Raise  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Positioning - BP is ____________ when lying down.   Higher  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Positioning - Sudden changes in positions can cause a sudden ____________ in BP.   Drop  
🗑
A sudden drop in BP is called orthostatic _______________.   Hypotension  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Smoking - can __________ BP.   Increase  
🗑
Factors affecting blood pressure include: Alcohol - excessive alcohol intake can ____________ BP.   Raise  
🗑
You measure BP in the __________ artery.   Brachial  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Do not take BP on an __________ with an IV infusion, a cast or a dialysis access site.   Arm  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Do not take BP on the side that a woman has had ______________ surgery.   Breast  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Do not take BP on an ____________ arm.   Injured  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Let the person __________ for 10-20 minutes before measuring BP.   Rest  
🗑
If orthostatic vital signs are ordered you should first measure BP and pulse after the person has been ______________ for at least 5 minutes.   Supine  
🗑
If orthostatic vital signs are ordered and you have taken the first set of vitals you then measure pulse and BP while the person ____ at the bedside.   Sits  
🗑
If orthostatic vital signs are ordered the last measurement of BP and pulse that you take is while the person is _____________.   Standing  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Putting the cuff on a _____________ arm.   Bare  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Using a large cuff if the person is ______________ or has a large arm.   Obese  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Placing the diaphragm of the stethoscope firmly over the _____________ artery.   Brachial  
🗑
Guidelines for measuring BP include: Making sure the room is ______________.   Quiet  
🗑
When measuring BP, the first sound you hear is the _______________ pressure.   Systolic  
🗑
When measuring BP, the last sound you hear (when the sound disappears) is the _______________ pressure.   Diastolic  
🗑
If you are not sure the measurement is accurate, wait 30-60 _____________ and repeat the measurement.   Seconds  
🗑
If you are unsure of the measure or you can't _____________ the BP, tell the nurse at once.   Hear  
🗑
When measuring BP do not place the diaphragm _____________ the cuff.   Under  
🗑
Deflate the cuff at an even rate of 2-4 millimeters per ______________.   Second  
🗑


   

Review the information in the table. When you are ready to quiz yourself you can hide individual columns or the entire table. Then you can click on the empty cells to reveal the answer. Try to recall what will be displayed before clicking the empty cell.
 
To hide a column, click on the column name.
 
To hide the entire table, click on the "Hide All" button.
 
You may also shuffle the rows of the table by clicking on the "Shuffle" button.
 
Or sort by any of the columns using the down arrow next to any column heading.
If you know all the data on any row, you can temporarily remove it by tapping the trash can to the right of the row.

 
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how
Created by: na3
Popular Nursing sets